The effect of light on forelimb regeneration in the newt

Abstract

The forelimb of the newt, Triturus (Notophthalamus) viridescens, was bilaterally amputated and the animals subjected to different photoperiods during the period of regeneration, namely (1) continuous light, (2) 15 hours of light/day and (3) total darkness. Animals exposed to continuous light reached the palette regeneration stage four to five days before those kept in total darkness with the 15 hours of light/day animals being intermediate. The difference in regeneration rate was first evident in the moderate early stage (blastema accumulation stage); it then increased during subsequent stages and the difference persisted during the observation period. In an attempt to determine whether the retina was the receptor of light affected, some animals were blinded at the time of amputation and subjected to continuous light. Their rate of regeneration was similar to sighted animals subjected to continuous light but greater than sighted animals in total darkness. The pineal is discussed as the likely mediator of the photo effect.